This just in... we've finally spotted the BMW 2 Series! Seen undergoing winter testing in Munich is this 2 Series Convertible (F23) prototype. If you recall from 2006, the very first 1 Series prototype ever spotted was also the convertible version, prior to the coupe model.

What do we see?

To the delight of many F20/F21 1 Series hecklers, even through the camouflage it appears the 2 Series headlights will indeed be sleeker and sportier! A comparison (photo below) against an F20/F21 1 Series prototype at this stage of camouflage shows the size and shape differences between the headlights already. The photos do not reveal whether the headlights connect to the kidney grilles as it does on the F30 and upcoming models such as the next X5 (F15).

The second most prominent thing we notice is more forward leaning front fascia, which gives the 2 Series a sportier overall front end look compared to the more upright F20/F21 1 Series. There is still significant camouflage cladding in front of the kidney grilles, so it remains to be seen whether this is just clever camo or the bodywork underneath follows the forward leaning angle of the camouflage.

Overall, compared to the F20/F21 1 Series and the current E88 1 Series Convertible, the 2014 2 Series Convertible projects a sportier look even in this early camouflage form, in particular from the A pillar forward - with its downward sloping and more raked appearance.

As expected, the folding convertible top remains cloth construction and appears similar in appearance and folding points as the current E88 1 Series Convertible.

Future 2 Series Lineup

The 2 Series models will be built on the same RWD platform as the current 1 Series hatchbacks (F20/F21) and is expected to spawn the following lineup:

Although we have spotted the F23 convertible first, the F22 coupe will begin production first. Both models will begin production in the second half of 2013. We'll share information on exact dates soon.

* Click on images for high resolution versions *

Compare against F20 1 Series camouflaged headlights

And for fun, here's a spy pic of the current E88 1 Series Convertible from 2006.

A clever camo job - the size and proportions look perfect and finally a cleaner look to the headlights. I hope they've kept the pronounced shoulder line- you sure can't tell from these photos if there's vinyl or padding disguising any character lines along the side.
Great pics. Thanks for posting.

A clever camo job - the size and proportions look perfect and finally a cleaner look to the headlights. I hope they've kept the pronounced shoulder line- you sure can't tell from these photos if there's vinyl or padding disguising any character lines along the side.
Great pics. Thanks for posting.

The pronounced shoulder lines should still be there. You can see in this photo that there's a large camouflage panel (look to the right of right rear tail light) which covers the entire side of the prototype, masking all character lines.

Is it just me, or do the rear wheel arches look much smaller than the E82/88?

Can't tell what the rear wheel arches look like yet because of the camouflage panel that covers the side of the car. As you can see in this pic, it extends down to the rear fenders.

What we can best glean from these pics is the car's overall size, proportions, stance, and different headlight shape/size.

Smaller is probably not the right word. Lower may be better, meaning more sheet metal between the top of the arch and shoulder line. Which I know is an aerodynamic feature on most cars now, but I always thought was esthetically bad.

Smaller is probably not the right word. Lower may be better, meaning more sheet metal between the top of the arch and shoulder line. Which I know is an aerodynamic feature on most cars now, but I always thought was esthetically bad.

I wonder how much the negative reaction to the headlights of the F20 1-series influenced the design of these lights.

None. The only people who have negative reactions to the lights are people on forums, never actually seen the car and outspoken media who a majority have yes, never seen the car in real life.

The F20 1er is actually proving to be as successful if not more so than the
E87. The car was chosen by the BMW board because of its distinctive appearance. I was recently pointed out a new Golf on the streets of Munich but you would never know because it is completely anonyomus.
The 1er is in no way anonyomus.

The F22/F23/F24 are the 2er. The bloodline is there with the 1er but it heads in a more sportier direction than before with different front end and rear end styling to distinguish the 2er from the 1er just as the 4er will be distinctive from the 3er.

The Coupe will be seen shortly as it is heading to Sweden in a truck soon for winter testing.

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